Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 GMC Safari owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On August 13th, 2003, I backed the van out of the garage, which has an about 2 inch drop. While making a left turn, I could feel the tire scraping. By the time I got out of the car,the drivers' side was almost on the ground. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest garage, where we have most of our work done.I thought it was the strut, but it was the torsion bar. We had to replace both torsion bars. The mechanic told me that the replacement bars were different from the originals. I checked around and was told, that both had to be replaced, the prices were about the same. I wrote to GMC, and told them they knew there was a problem with the torsion bars, otherwise the replacements would not have been different. On the 4th of sept. We received a phone call from them. There had been a recall 01036, but our vehicle is too old , so they are no longer responsible. …
While traveling at 65 MPH drivers side torsion bar inexplicably and without warning broke. Entire vehicle shuddered and pulled sharply to the left. Fortunately for my passengers and myself I was able to quickly regain control and come to a safe stop. This is a serious safety issue. Such a failure could easily result in serious injury or death. Since the torsion bar failure I have been told by different mechanics "they break all the time" and "it is a design flaw". I understand that general motors is aware of the problem and has redesigned the affected parts. This is a far more serious and dangerous issue than those addressed by other recalls on this vehicle (seatbelt warning buzzer and windshield wiper motor failures). In the interest of safety for all owners, passengers and anyone in the proximity of the affected vehicles I believe a recall is in order.
Windshield wipers do not operate - recalled - dealer claims it was repaired, now wipers operate whenever it feels like it. Both torsion rods failed without warning within 1 day apart of each other. Mechanic revealed that GM now has a special technique to be done when this happens and it costs an extra $90 to repair. Which means they are aware of the problem and will not recall the vehicles and replace at their cost. Broken spark plug almost killed my family. Fuel pump went out. Driver's side window does not roll down, driver's side view mirror does not operate.
GMC Safari van was parked in driveway, next morning it was discovered that the front had collapsed and was just 2 inches off the pavement, inner fenders were touching the tires. Discovered that the torsion bars had failed, dealer said repairs will be $1000, part has been redesigned and has a new mounting kit to go along with new torsion bars . Vehicle is used as second family car and driven by daughter for school and work, luckily failure occurred while parked.
Left side torsion bar snapped when driving. The repair shop changed both left and right side torsion bars and arms even though the right side was fully functional. GM's parts department stated that this was a manufacturing design problem and thus I had to change both sides. This has apparently been a problem with other same model cars as well. I feel that if that is the case, then they should recall all cars because it poses a serious safety hazard.
While driving low to high speeds experienced intermittent front suspension failures, vehicle wanders all over road, right to left, dlr's replaced steering gear box, tires and realigned vehicle six times, dlr can't correct, problem persists.
This part failed without warning while the vehicle was parked. I was told by two different mechanics that both torsion bars must be replaced per the manufacturer because the torsion bar design has been changed since this vehcile was manufactured. It was also pointed out that the original 2 piece design rusted prematurely at the point where both components meet. The area in question was subject to moisture and salt accumulation and was not readily detectable until the untire suspension component failed. The cost for the repair is close to $1,000.00. GMC claims that there are no recall campaigns for this component. After some local research, I found that this problem is fairly common. Most technicians that I have spoken with agree that this part is not a wear item and if properly desinged should last the life of the vehicle. …
Both torsion bars broke at 60 MPH causing front of vehicle to drop on tires.vehicle skidded to a stop with no steering.had vehicle towed to nearest dealer.service tech.said this was normal wear and tear.called GMC and they agreed with dealer.I ask dealer for the broken torsion bars and had them anylized by a metal lab tech.his opinion was that the bars had stress cracks from the metal being defective.if this is normal wear and tear after only 5 years GM has a major safety hazard driving on your highways daily.how many traffic accidents,injuries or deaths are required before an investigation is started.
While pulling out of the driveway consumer heard loud cracking noise. Then, front of vehicle hit the ground. Dealership informed consumer that torsion bar had broken, and had to be replaced. Parts were ordered, but were incorrectly designed for that particular vehicle. Both sides had to be replaced because design has changed. Mamufacturer has been contacted. But, refused to repair vehicle under warranty or customer's satisfaction. Please provide further details.
While turning or backing out of a parking space or making a turn steering wheel would make a loud noise. Consumer states he took vehicle to dealership and was advised that both front tie rod ends were loose and the vehicle could not be aligned properly which was causing abnormal tire wear on the front, consumer had the parts replaced and the vehicle was realigned, consumer was advised that idler arms were not buiilt strong enough.
Suspension complaints in other Safari years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1996 GMC Safari?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 GMC Safari, 21% of the model year's 139 complaints. The component named most often is front › springs › torsion bar (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 GMC Safari suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1996 GMC Safari, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Safari suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.